We work to return athletes to their sport as quickly and safely as possible, through aggressive and innovative treatment and rehabilitation.

ImPACT® Testing for Concussions

A concussion may be caused by a bump, blow or severe rapid movement of the head that can change the normal function of the brain. Every head injury is serious. Common terms that people use to describe a head injury are “ding” and “bell ringer.”

In January 2012, California passed a law that requires high school athletes to be taken out of sports following any head injury and receive written clearance by a physician prior to returning to play.

ImPACT® testing is a computerized neurocognitive test that gives clinicians the ability to return an athlete to safe sports participation following a head injury. The test may also be used as a tool to gather baseline information, which provides “normal” results for comparison when a head injury does occur. The test includes memory skills, concentration and questions that require the individual to problem solve.

Here at ValleyCare Physical and Sports Medicine, we can provide sports teams with the baseline testing. The testing is administered by a Certified Athletic Trainer in one of our computer labs. The results are reviewed by a physician, as well as stored in the National Data Base. Testing should be administered prior to the beginning of the sports season. Scheduling is open Monday through Friday, between 9am and 7pm.

Being proactive and keeping our youth safe is our goal. Let it be yours too. To find out more information about ImPACT® testing at ValleyCare, please call Kimberly Connors, ATC at 925.373.4019.

Sports Physical Therapy

Located within the state-of-the-art LifeStyleRx facility, sports-specific physical therapy by licensed therapists with extensive experience in the prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries is available.

Our program especially caters to pediatric and adolescent athletes who require a special level of care and attention due to various age-related concerns. Through experience and education in Pilates, plyometrics and sports-specific training, we can provide an accelerated rehabilitation program when appropriate. Access to the latest equipment at LifeStyleRx allows us to provide strength and endurance training as well. Regular contact with the athletic trainers at the local schools gives us the ability to quickly modify individual programs for a faster and safer return to the sport.

Our goal is to return the athlete to sport as quickly as possible and help avoid future injuries. An individual program will be designed for each athlete that most likely will include instruction in a home or gym program for strength and flexibility, as well as education about the injury and the biomechanics of movement in order to help avoid future injury.

Insurance Coverage

Physician referral is required. Most insurance plans will cover physical and sports medicine services. ValleyCare accepts all PPOs, some HMOs and Medicare.